Portable gymnic machine

ABSTRACT

A portable gymnastic machine for the execution of gymnastic exercises and/or rehabilitation through the extension of an elastic element characterized in that comprises a base or platform ( 2 ) used to stabilize the machine by the weight or thrust of the user and at least one gripping element or handle ( 3 ) interconnected by an elastic element ( 4 ).

The present invention relates to a portable gymnic machine.

Usually, gymnastics and rehabilitation exercises (excluding the free-style exercises, of course) are conducted using relatively complex gymnastic machines, which are fixed, that is intended to be used in the same place where they are located.

It is possible to transport from place to place small dumbbells or similar tools, but it is clear that a solution of this type is not suitable for many types of exercises and also it is impractical and greatly uncomfortable for the user.

In practice, using the machines and the exercise equipments currently on the market, because they are generally fixed, it is impossible to execute an appropriate series of exercises for the users that aren't in a gym or in rooms provided with such machines; this can affect, in the case of travelling people, both the continuity of athletic training and the opportunity to complete rehabilitation exercises.

US2002/0160891 describes a gymnastic machine which can be moved and which includes a base on which to fix a rubber band. The base, which has a great dimension (about 180 cm), allows the transport of the gymnastic machine inside a house but can not be easily carried during travel outside the home.

The aim of this invention is to provide a portable gymnic machine which can solve the problems mentioned above.

This result was reached in accordance with the invention by adopting the idea of a machine having the features described in claim 1. Other features are in dependent claims.

Among the advantages of the present invention can be listed the following.

The machine is portable and compact and, therefore, can be carried with themselves, also during travels, for example in a briefcase.

The machine is stabilized with the same weight of the user, or with the pushing that the same user exercises on the base or platform. As will be described below, the user can stabilize the machine thanks to the pressure exerted on the base or platform when he is standing, sitting or kneeling on it, or it pushes the same base against a wall or similar fixed structure. The machine includes a handle at least partially cylindrical in shape, so that the the elastic element can be wrapped around it.

This machine allows a very high number of gymnic and rehabilitation exercises.

The executable exercises can be very different, involving different parts of the body, with different ways to approach the exercise and, consequently, with the ability to perform both generic and aimed at specific targets trainings, of sport and/or rehabilitation type.

The machine has a structure of simple construction, user friendly and very robust, able to maintain its shape even after prolonged use.

The machine, as will be described below, includes an elastic stretching element, can be provided with a kit of these elastic elements, presenting different elastic coefficients in order to allow the variation of the resistance offered by the machine during the exercises.

In its possible embodiments, the machine can be advantageously equipped with a range of accessories to enhance the functionality and ease of use. In fact, the machine may include a timer to optimize the performance of the exercises and/or a heart rate monitor and/or audio players, eg MP3, radio, CD, etc . . .

The machine may include, in addition, a scales, means for measuring the exerted pushing and a impedance-balance for assessing the body fat mass.

The advantages and features of the invention will be better understood from the following description and with the help of the annexed drawings, given as practical examples of the invention, but not to be considered by limiting, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a possible embodiment of a portable gymnic machine in accordance with the invention; in this embodiment, the machine is provided with an elastic band which is the elastic element of the same machine;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the machine, shown in an embodiment in which the elastic element consists of a tubular closed ring;

FIGS. 3, 4A-C, 5 relate to particulars of the machine; in particular, FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of locking means of the proximal end of the elastic element, while FIGS. 4 A-C and 5 show, respectively in three plan views (FIGS. 4A, B, C) and in perspective view (FIG. 5), possible embodiments of the locking means of the distal end of the elastic element;

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of another possible embodiment of the machine, provided with an additional bar;

FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 show diagrams representing possible types of exercises which can be executed with the machine in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 25, 26 are, respectively, a rear perspective view (FIG. 25) and a front perspective view (FIG. 26) of another embodiment of a platform in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 27 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a handle in accordance with the invention, connected by a band to the platform shown in FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 shows a perspective view of a cover which is a part of the handle shown in FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 shows an exploded side view of the handle of FIG. 27;

FIG. 30 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the locking means of the elastic element to the platform, and

FIG. 31 is a plan view from above of a further embodiment of a platform in accordance with the invention.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, a machine (1) according with the invention includes a base element (2) or platform, at least one gripping element or handle (3) interconnected by means of an elastic stretching element (4). In practice, a first end or proximal end (41) of the elastic element (4) is permanently bound to the platform (2), while the other end or distal end (42), is attached to the handle (3).

In particular, the elastic element (4) is preferably formed by an elastic band or'by an elastic ring, for example of tubular type. For the realization of the band and the tubular ring (4) can be used a band of elastomeric material having a determined coefficient of elasticity.

The connection between the elastic element (4) and two elements (2) and (3) can be of resealable type and the machine (1) can be provided with a plurality of elastic elements of different coefficient of elasticity. This makes it possible to calibrate the machine according to the type of exercise to be performed.

The base element or platform (2), in the example shown in FIG. 1, has a substantially rectangular shape in plan and can be formed using, for example, wood or plastic. The platform (4) is provided with a perforated portion (20) through which the elastic band (4) can be passed, placing the handle (3) substantially orthogonal with respect to the plane defined by the same platform (2).

The platform (2) is small-sized, having dimensions that allow easy transport. For example, the platform (2) may have an approximate area of about 35×35 cm (less than 50×50), with a few centimeters thick (eg about 3 or 4, less than 8 cm). In practice, the base (2) can be conveniently packed in a small bag and carried with ease.

The perforated portion (20) forms also a handle for transporting the same machine (1), allowing, in practice, a transport like a bag or a small suitcase.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the proximal end (41) of the elastic element, which consists of a band (4), passes through a slot (21) placed in a substantially central area of the platform (2) and that develops parallel to two sides of the platform (2). The proximal end (41) is fixed by means of a box element (23), better described below, which clamps the band (4) and which is inserted into a seat (29) of the platform (2), complementary shaped. As described with specific reference to the example of FIG. 1, for securing the elastic band (4) to the platform (2) can also be done in some other suitable way.

With reference to the non limiting embodiment of FIG. 1, the distal end (42) is clamped between the two half-parts (31, 32) forming the handle (3), blocked with screw elements (33). Similarly to what was expressed for the proximal end (41) with respect to the platform (2), also for the the distal end (42) may be provided other fixing means to the handle (3).

The handle (3) has at least a cylindrical portion extending for a value at least equal to the width of the band (4). This feature allows to wrap the band (4) around the handle (3) to shorten the length of the band (3) during the exercise. (In the example shown in FIG. 1 is the whole handle having a cylindrical development).

In the example of FIG. 1 some possible accessories of the machine (1) are shown. A possible part of the machine is, for example, a timer (24), possibly equipped with a ringer device. Another possible accessory device is a heart rate monitor (25) connected, for example, to a corresponding band worn by the user. In addition, the machine (1) may include audio players, eg MP3, CD, radio, and these devices have been schematically represented by a USB port (26), from a desk CD player (27) and a display with keys (27′).

FIG. 2 shows a machine (1) in which the elastic element (4) consists of an elastic closed ring, preferably tubular, i.e. having a circular cross section. The proximal end (41) of the elastic element (4) is fixed to the body box (23), which is closed by screws (22); the distal end (42) is attached to the handle (3). In this way, the part of the elastic ring (4) that connects the box-body (23) and the handle (3) consists of two elastic wires which pass through the slot (20) of the base (2). The box-body (23), as mentioned above, has a steady position in the seat (29) of base (2). The seat (29) is placed in correspondence of the slot (21) and is shaped in a complementary way to the box-body (23); preferably, the seat (29) has a depth capable of maintaining the body (21) not outside the plane defined by the face of the base (2).

In FIG. 3 shows in detail a possible example embodiment of the box body (23). In particular, the example refers to a solution which has the ring (4) as elastic element.

The box-body (23) comprises a base (23 b) and a cover (23 a) which have corresponding edges (230 a) and (230 b) that are joined when the body (23) is closed. The lower base (23 b) has two grooves or notches (231) of sufficient size to allow the passage of the elastic element (4). In practice, to attach the elastic element (4) to the body (23), the arc (41) which defines the proximal end of the ring (4) is passed into the base (23 b) of the body (23), crossing the two notches (231). The cover (23 a) is placed on the base (23 b) and using the screws (22) which are inserted in their seats (220), the box body (23) is assembled, so blocking the ring (4).

In FIGS. 4A-C are shown in detail two possible embodiments of the handle (3). In particular, FIG. 4A shows a semipart-base (31) used in the case where the elastic element is a ring, FIG. 4B shows a semipart-base (31) used in the case where the elastic element is an elastic band, FIG. 4C shows a semi-part-cover (32) can be used for both cases.

Similarly as described for the example of the box body (23), the handle is made of a semipart-base (31) and a semi-part-cover (32) having corresponding edges (310) and (320) intended to mate, leaving a cavity inside. In the case of FIG. 4, the semipart-bottom base (31) has two grooves or notches (311) of sufficient size to allow the passage of the elastic element (4). As for the box body (23), to constrain the elastic element (4) to the semi-part (31), the arc (42) which defines the distal end of the ring (4) is passed in the inner, crossing the two notches (311). The semi-part-cover (32) is placed on semi-part-base (31) and, using screws (33), not shown in FIG. 4-C, is obtained the assembly of the handle (3).

The example of FIG. 4B shows the semi-part-base (31) which can be used when the strap is made of a rubber band (4). In this embodiment, the semi-part-base (31) has an edge (310) continuous, that is not provided with the slots (311) that characterize the semipart-base (31) used for the elastic ring. To better constrain the distal end (42) of the band (4) to the handle, said distal end (42) is wrapped around a thin cylinder (44), which can have the cylindrical surface knurled to provide a greater foothold. In practice, when the band (4) is being secured to the handle (3), the same band (4) is wrapped around the cylinder (44) and, once executed several loops, or once reached a certain diameter, the cylinder (44) is inserted into semi-part-base (31), which is closed with the semi-part cover (32). The band (4) is therefore clamped by the two half-parts (31, 32) of the handle (3). The winding of the band (4) around the cylinder (44) can be effective for a number of turns so as to produce a total thickness of the whole barrel-band slightly larger than the depth of the cavity defined within the two half-plane; in such way, the closure of the handle (3) and the resulting clamping of the elastic band is improved by crushing allowed by the elastic band.

The fixing of the proximal end (41) of the band (4) to the box-body (23) can be done in the same manner as provided for fixing the distal end (42) of the rubber band to the handle (3), as described in reference to the example of FIGS. 4B-C. In practice, also the proximal end can be wrapped around a cylinder and subsequently inserted in the box body (23); in this case the base (23 b) of the box-body (23) may have a continuous edge (230 b), not being necessary the slots (231).

Both in the case of an elastic ring or in the case of an elastic band or strip, the connection between the elastic element and the other parts of the machine is very solid and substantially inseparable if not desired.

In the example of FIG. 6, the machine (1) is provided with a bar (5) arranged parallel to one side of the platform (2) and connected to it by two rods (51) inserted into corresponding cylindrical seats (28) of the platform (2). The rods (51), in correspondence of their ends opposite to the bar (5), are provided with holes (52) that allow, through the introduction of relevant stopping elements (e.g. pins) to fix the bar (5) to the platform (2), or to prevent the extraction of the group bar-rods when the rods are inserted in the seats (28). During the execution of some exercises, the bar (5) provides an anchor point; for example, when the user is seated on the base (2), the feet can be inserted below the bar (5) to be blocked.

FIGS. 7 to 24 schematically show some of the types of exercise that can be executed by the machine (1) of the invention. In the drawings the elastic element is represented by a trait that has a thickness greater than the line used to represent the limbs of the user. In addition, the user's bust is schematically represented by a triangle, the basin structure by a square, and the head by a circle.

FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10 show exercises for abdominal, in which, respectively, the user is seated on the base resting on the ground (FIGS. 7, 8), is kneeling on the platform (FIG. 9) and is sitting on the base (2) located on a seat (6) (FIG. 10).

The example of FIG. 11 is a schematic exercise for triceps, with up distensions executed with the user sitting on the base (2).

The exercise of FIG. 12 relates to the distension of the deep type forward/back, with the user sitting on the base (2) placed on a bench (6).

The exercise of FIG. 13 is relevant to the biceps, with the user standing.

The exercise of FIG. 14 is relevant to the erector muscles of the body, using his feet.

The exercise of FIG. 15 applies to forward momentum.

The exercise of FIG. 16 is relevant to the deltoid, with outbursts side, with the user standing.

The exercises of FIGS. 17, 18 are for pulling up.

The exercise of FIG. 19 is of the “rowing machine”; in this case, the user is seated and maintain the platform (2) pushed against a wall (7) with the pressure exerted by the feet.

The exercise of FIG. 20 is an “add-back” in this case, the user is seated and maintain the platform (2) pushed against a wall (7) with the pressure exerted by the feet.

The exercises in FIG. 21 are for the flexibility of the back with stretching standing; in this case is easily variable the amplitude of the exercise thanks to a greater or lesser wrapping of the elastic band around the handle (3).

The exercise of FIG. 22 relates to the flexibility of the back and is executed with the user sitting on the ground, pushing the platform or base (2) against a wall.

The exercise of FIG. 23 relates to the leg's muscle, with the user standing on the base or platform (2) pushing with the legs defining different angles with the knee.

The exercise of FIG. 24 is related to pushes by the feet.

The exercises schematically shown are proposed to better describe the features of the machine, without limiting further possibilities of use.

In conclusion, with the machine (1) of the present invention it is possible to cover a very broad type of exercises with a remarkably simple object that can be easily transported and that can be very pleasant and comfortable to use.

FIGS. 25-30 show another possible embodiment of the invention. In this case, the means for fixing the band (4) to the platform (2) include a body (46) provided with a slot (48) through which the band (4) is passed. In particular, the body (46) has an inner portion (47) intended to be received in the corresponding seat (29) presented by the platform (2). To determine the fixing of the band (4) to the platform (2) is sufficient to put the band (4) through the slot (49), wrap for one or more laps the same band (4) around the body (46) and, therefore, fix, for example by means of screws, the body (46) to the platform (2). Also in the example of FIGS. 25-30, the handle (3) consists of a main body (39) of substantially cylindrical shape at the ends and having a small section in the middle part, part which is intended to accommodate a cover (38) that, when it is fixed to the main body (39), blocks the said elastic element (4) to handle (3).

In the example of FIG. 31, the base (2) is provided with one or more load cells (200) or similar devices for measuring the effort exerted by the user on the same platform, means being provided for the display (270) of its measured value, formed, for example, by a LCD display or otherwise. The same load cell (200) can be used to measure the weight of the user, means being provided for the display (270) of its measured value. The areas marked with (200) may also represent two electrodes (200), used to define a impedance scales, whose value is shown by the same means of visualization (270).

The details of implementing information may change as equivalent in form, size, arrangement of elements, type of materials used, without leaving the area of the idea of the solution adopted and therefore remaining within the limits of the protection afforded by this patent. 

1. Portable gymnic machine, usable to perform gymnic and/or rehabilitative exercises by means of the extension of an elastic element, characterized in that it comprises a small-sized base or platform (2) usable to stabilize the machine by the weight or a thrust of the user and at least one gripping element or handle (3), said base and said handle being interconnected by a flexible elastic element (4), said handle (3) being provided with a at least a cylindrical portion suitable to allow the winding of said elastic element (4) around the same handle (3).
 2. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said elastic element (4) is an elastic band and the cylindrical portion extends for a value corresponding to the width of said band (4), so to enable the winding of the same band.
 3. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said base or platform is provided with a perforated portion (20) which can be passed through by said handle (3).
 4. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said elastic element (4) is an elastic band and that the machine is provided with means to constrain the band of (4) to that base or platform (2) and said handle (3), said means including a body (46) provided with a slot (48) through which the band of (4) is passed, said body (46) being received and secured in a corresponding seat (29) presented by the platform (2).
 5. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said elastic element (4) is an elastic band and that the machine is provided with means for fixing the band (4) to said base or platform (2) and to said handle (3), said means comprising a cylindrical body (44) around which the band (4) is wrapped and corresponding pair of hollow half bodies or half-parts (23 a, 23 b, 31, 32) suitable to receive the unit formed by the cylindrical corp (44) and an end of said band wrapped around it.
 6. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said elastic element (4) is an elastic closed ring and the machine is provided with means for fixing said ring (4) to said base or platform (2) and said handle (3), said means comprising pairs of hollow half bodies or half-parts (23 a, 23 b, 31, 32) suitable to receive an are defining the end of said ring.
 7. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said base or platform is provided with a slot (21) capable of being crossed by said elastic element (4).
 8. Machine according to claim 5, characterized in that said base or platform (2) is provided with a seat (29) which is complementary shaped in respect to a housing body (23) formed by two of said pairs of half-bodies (23 a, 23 b) and capable of blocking an end of said elastic element (4).
 9. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said handle (3) consists of a main body (39) of substantially cylindrical shape at the ends and with a small section in the middle part, part which is intended to receive a cover (38) that, when it is fixed to the main body (39), blocks said elastic element (4) to handle (3).
 10. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that includes an extensible framework (5) that can be attached to the base (2) to define an anchor point.
 11. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that it is provided with a timer and/or a cardio-frequency device and/or audio players.
 12. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said platform (2) is provided with one or more load cells (200) designed to measure the effort exerted by the user on the same platform, means being provided for displaying (270) its measured value.
 13. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said platform (2) is provided with one or more load cells (200) designed to measure the weight of the user, means being provided for displaying (270) its measured value.
 14. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said platform (2) has two electrodes (200) for defining an impedance scales, means being provided for displaying (270) its measured value.
 15. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said platform (2) has an area of less than 50 cm×50 cm.
 16. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the thickness of the said platform (2) is less than 8 cm.
 17. Machine according to claim 5 characterized in that said base or platform (2) is provided with a seat (29) which is complementary shaped in respect to a housing body (23) formed by two of said pairs of half-bodies (23 a, 23 b) and capable of blocking an end of said elastic element (4). 